Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on In the Shaking Mist:
Posted a new Comment on In the Shaking Mist:
"Listening these years later-- sounds so good! "
@richard-streib
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @b3e:
Posted a new Comment on @b3e:
"Glad you joined B3E. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Lots of good information here. Best wishes as you continue your mountain dulcimer journey."
@randy-adams
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"Scribe a line"
@luigi
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Whiskey Before Breakfast" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Whiskey Before Breakfast" on Mountain Dulcimer
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @b3e:
Posted a new Comment on @b3e:
"Welcome to FOTMD, B3E. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet..."
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"The disadvantage of a floating bridge is that it is easily moved as John pointed out. I've known folks to lose them when changing strings because they took..."
@john-petry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"Amazing how a little movement takes it from fire wood grade to fine......"
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"The benefit of a floating bridge for the player is to be able to fine tune the intonation. As you switch between heavier and lighter strings, for example,..."
@masaki
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer:
"@chcknj
True! It’s fun seeing people from different places here!"
@john-petry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"My 2 cents....
The "fixed" requires additional work on the builder, slot needs to be cut, insert needs to be correct width and height. And there is little to..."
@lilley-pad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic " the bridge “saddle” ":
Created a new forum topic " the bridge “saddle” ":
"Looks like another dumb question from lilley-pad. well here goes this may be more of a luthiers question then a player's. It has to do with the bridge..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tom-haines:
Posted a new Comment on @tom-haines:
"Hi Tom, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@chcknj
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer:
"It's cool to see how international this community gets. :-)"
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
"I would just like to add to @john-petry's timeline that Howard Rugg is making instruments again under the name Capritaurus. He also has great records on all..."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer):
Posted a new Comment on Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer):
"Very enjoyable presentation...both video and music wise. I recommend everyone take a look and listen."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tom-haines:
Posted a new Comment on @tom-haines:
"Welcome Tom Haines to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Its good to have you. Like Kenl said, if you post some pictures of the dulcimer we may be able to..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @pclars:
Posted a new Comment on @pclars:
"So good to have you join PCLars. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. You have come to the best place to learn all about the mountain dulcimer..."
@tonileewj
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"Thank you! It did require prying to get the inner piece out once I’d wiggled out the outer piece. I used painters’ tape to protect the wood as much as I..."
@john-c-knopf
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"Fantastic! That's great news. Onward and upward!"
@masaki
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted new YouTube video(s):
"Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
"Auld Lang Syne" on Mountain Dulcimer
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
"John has provided all the information you need. I purchased a similar one recently except it was the model D50S, a grade up, for $100. In an auction, like..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"Glad that worked for you.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
"The link didn't seem to cooperate....here is a copy from the site..."
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
"Folkcraft / FolkRoots Timeline, From 1968 To The Present
Late 1960's, early 1970s, in northern California...
1968 - Howard Rugg made his first dulcimer in..."
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
Posted a response to "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
"https://folkcraft.com/pages/folkcraft-through-the-years FolkRoots History....
This "may" help?? The wood kits start at about $400, The..."
@tonileewj
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"@John-C-Knopt
Wiggling worked! "
@tom-haines
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
Created a new forum topic "Approximate age/info about my instrument":
"I have an old FolkRoots dulcimer that belonged to my late wife which I never learned how to play. I would like to know any information I can get about it, as..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tom-haines:
Posted a new Comment on @tom-haines:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Tom. I don't see a photo of your wife's dulcimer, so I can't offer any information. You can go to the For Sale forum and ask your question...."
@john-petry
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @earline-greer:
Posted a new Comment on @earline-greer:
"The link takes you to their web page....Looks like a good bunch of folks. [isn't everyone that loves dulcimers?]
Welcome to FOTMD
North Harris..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @earline-greer:
Posted a new Comment on @earline-greer:
"Hi Earline, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @msbmusical:
Posted a new Comment on @msbmusical:
"Hi Msb., and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @pclars:
Posted a new Comment on @pclars:
"HI PC., and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Lovely."
@carol-h
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Thank you!
Alex_Lubet:
Beautiful
"
@carol-h
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Thank you. That means a great deal to me.
Homer Ross:
Beautifully peaceful. We all need more like this...thanks for sharing.
"
@davisjames
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
@alex-lubet
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Beautiful"
@alex-lubet
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @pclars:
Posted a new Comment on @pclars:
"Welcome to FOTMD PCLars. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet..."
@tonileewj
• 5 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"It’s a very old McSpadden, made in the 1980s, so it’s likely the same. I’ll try that first. Thanks so much!
Toni
John C. Knopf:
I believe that part is just a..."
@john-c-knopf
• 6 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"I believe that part is just a pressure-fit into the wood of the peghead. I would try wrapping it with some tape or paper and gently rocking it back and..."
@tonileewj
• 6 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"[quote="Ken Longfield"]
It's been a long time since I worked with that type of tuner. I'm not sure if I still have a dulcimer with that type of pegs, so I'm..."
@tonileewj
• 6 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"Ken Longfield:
It's been a long time since I worked with that type of tuner. I'm not sure if I still have a dulcimer with that type of pegs, so I'm working..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
Posted a new Comment on Removing old grommets:
"It's been a long time since I worked with that type of tuner. I'm not sure if I still have a dulcimer with that type of pegs, so I'm working from memory..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
the bridge “saddle”
Posted: Monday October 27 2025, 7:15 PM
By: @Randy Adams
By: @Randy Adams
Approximate age/info about...
Posted: Saturday October 25 2025, 10:59 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Wednesday October 22 2025, 11:03 AM
By: @ryanpryor
By: @ryanpryor
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Monday October 20 2025, 1:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Friday October 17 2025, 4:16 PM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
A review of my new album
Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 4:06 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...
Posted: Wednesday October 15 2025, 12:31 AM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
Extended Range Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko
By: @Marko
A question about intonating...
Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
John Stockard Dulcimer For...
Posted: Friday October 3 2025, 1:54 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Wednesday October 1 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Anybody familiar with...
Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A track from my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
jubilee
Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amy Levy: Songs of Love...
Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny
By: @Steve Kenny
More or less overtones
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A review of my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
practicing app
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New to the group, several...
Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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